Recent viewings

The Office (BBC version), series one
I've commented before that it may not be fair of me to start watching movies or television programs late at night after getting home from work, and then criticize them for not keeping me awake. That's particularly true of this British import. It's so laid-back and unaggressive, so persistently beige and off-white and monotone, that it will put you to sleep if you already have any inclination to do so.

On the other hand, if you're awake and alert, it's great subtly sarcastic fun. The characters are recognizable and only slightly exaggerated versions of the co-workers from hell that most of us office-drones have encountered in Cubicle World. The lack of a laugh track or a sound track, along with the actors' occasional sly, sideways eye-flickering glances at the camera, reinforce the illusion that it's a real office and that the footage on screen was, perhaps, shot as part of some kind of real life documentary.

A low-key comical treat for those who are awake and alert.